The American Hockey League announced today that the league’s annual All-Star classic will remain out east for the 2012-2013 season as Providence, Rhode Island was selected as the event’s new hosts.

The 2013 All-Star skills competition is set for Sunday, January 27 to be followed the next day by the league’s Hall of Fame Induction Awards Ceremony and All-Star game.

“The American Hockey League is excited to be returning to one of its founding cities for the 2013 All-Star Classic,” said AHL President and CEO David Andrews in a statement. “Providence has been part of the fabric of our league since our first season in 1936, and the Providence Bruins organization has been a cornerstone for the last two decades. We’re looking forward to showcasing our brightest stars to capacity crowds at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center and to an international television audience.”

“The 2013 Dunkin’ Donuts AHL All-Star Classic is the American Hockey League’s premier exhibition, bringing together dozens of hockey’s rising stars for an exciting weekend of competition,” said Fear in a statement. “The Providence Bruins are honored to play host to this special event.”

Moving on to other news, the National Hockey League’s trade deadline is set for February 27. However, there have been a few minor transactions of late that have effected American Hockey League teams.

Here are the National Hockey League trades dating back to January 27:

(Feb. 3) The Minnesota Wild traded forward Casey Wellman to the New York Rangers in exchange for forward Erik Christensen and a seventh round pick in the 2013 draft. Wellman had played in 26 games with Houston prior to the trade, scoring 14 goals and 25 points.

(Feb. 2) The Colorado Avalanche traded forward Mike Carman to Washington in exchange for defenseman Danny Richmond. Carman played 28 games with Lake Erie this season scoring six points. Richmond skated in 24 games for Hershey, picking up four assists and 48 PIMs. On the same day, the Capitals sent former Wisconsin Badger Matt Ford to Philadelphia (Adirondack) in exchange for defenseman Keven Marshall from the Phantoms.

(January 30) Calgary sent defenseman John Negrin to Winnipeg in exchange for forward Akim Aliu. Negrin played in 26 games for Abbotsford prior to the trade, picking up one lone assist. Aliu had been playing for Abbotsford prior to the trade, but had his NHL rights change hands.

(January 27) Chicago acquired forward Brendan Morrison from Calgary in exchange for defenseman Brian Connelly. Connelly was one of Rockford’s top blue liners prior to the trade (five goals, 36 assists with the Ice Hogs), and now has three assists in three games with Abbotsford.